Tribute

We are sad to announce the passing of Doris Mae Cox of Osoyoos, BC, at the age of 102, on November 7, 2023, with close family by her side.

Doris was born on September 14, 1921, to Della Rose (Tilton) and William Haven Saxton in Unity Union Hospital, Unity, Saskatchewan. Dorris was the 7th oldest of 16 children. She lived the first six years of her life with the rest of the family in a sod house before moving to Grandpa (George Wesley) Saxton’s house in 1928 where she lived until 1932. Doris left school in Meadow Lake after Grade 10 in search of employment. In 1938, she had a job as a helper for Mrs. Bonnet, earning all of $2.00 a day, cooking for a road crew that was improving roads in the area around Waterhen Lake. In 1939, she worked during harvest time in Vera, Saskatchewan for a Mrs. Orr. 1940 was the year she ventured to Vancouver, British Columbia, arriving with eighteen cents in her pocket. She worked as a housekeeper, initially on Vancouver Island and then in Vancouver and Richmond. She later worked in a machine shop during war time, served on a power machine in a linen supply store, and clerked in stores.

In 1944, Doris met Frank Cox in Vancouver on a blind date, believed to have been set up by Frank’s sister, Daphne. Doris and Frank later married in 1945 and went on to adopt two children, Clifford in 1953, and Mary in 1955. In 1979, Frank retired from BC Workers Compensation, and they relocated from Richmond to Country Pines retirement park in Oliver, where Doris would remain until 2006.

Doris and Frank spent many years enjoying Gallagher Lake, McIntyre Creek, gardening, playing games, sky watching, and socializing with their many friends and neighbours. They also spent many summers and holidays with their two grandchildren, Jeremy, and Melissa, making pancakes, swimming in the lake or river, building forts, playing games, sewing, making crafts, and taking many daytrips in the get-away-van. After Frank’s passing, Doris lived at Park Place and Heritage House in Oliver, BC. Doris was a fiercely independent woman with a witty sense of humour and was the epitome of the coolest grandma around.

Doris was predeceased by her husband, Frank Cox (2004) and her daughter, Mary Meckler (1986) along with her 15 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son, Clifford Cox (Gail), son-in-law Craig Tulak (Teri), grandchildren Jeremy Meckler (Jillian), Melissa Peddie (Ashley), Josh, Jeremiah, Ezra, Peter, and Adam Cox, Trevor Fernell and Mary Cox and many great-grandchildren.

Interment at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery in Penticton will be a private ceremony with only close family members present.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com